Is Sauvignon Blanc Dry?
By Bordeaux Brian for Pair It & Share It · Published
BOTTOM LINE
Yes — Sauvignon Blanc is almost always a dry white wine. It tastes crisp and refreshing, with flavors like lime, grapefruit, green apple and fresh herbs. If you want a white that's zippy rather than buttery, it's a great pick.
Quick decision
- Bright, tropical and very zesty→ New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- More mineral and subtle→ Sancerre or other Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc
- Rounder and softer→ California Sauvignon Blanc or white Bordeaux
Why it can taste a little sweet
New Zealand styles are bursting with passion fruit and grapefruit. That ripe fruit can read as sweet, but there's very little sugar.
Sauvignon Blanc vs. Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc is usually light, tangy and unoaked. Chardonnay is often fuller and creamier, especially when it's aged in oak. If you dislike 'buttery' whites, choose Sauvignon Blanc.
What to eat with it
Goat cheese, salads, shellfish, fish tacos and anything with lemon or herbs.
Pair It & Share It learns what you like from every wine you rate, so the next pick fits your taste better. See how it works
Want the answer for your exact meal, taste and budget?
General wine advice can get you close. Pair It & Share It narrows it down for you.
About the author. Bordeaux Brian brings more than 30 years of wine experience and firsthand experience in vineyards and wine regions around the world. His focus is practical: helping people make better wine decisions without the intimidation.